How to Win on Slot Machines?
Slot machines are the loudest and most colorful attractions in a casino. These iconic casino games are entirely random, so you can use a few tricks to help you beat the odds. Check out our expert slots tips and strategies and learn how to win on slot machines.
Highlights: 8 Tips on How to Win at Slots
- Pick the right slot machines
- Practice in demo (free) mode
- Study the pay table
- Stick to your budget
- Aim for smaller jackpots
- Take advantage of casino bonuses
- Bet responsibly
- Use a slots strategy
How do Slot Machines Work?
To learn how to beat slot machines, you must first know how they work.
Slot machines, whether in land-based or online casinos, operate based on a random number generator (RNG) that ensures the outcome of each spin is fair and unbiased. This is why slots are popular, as they offer a level playing field where every player has equal odds of winning. You simply spin the reels and aim to match symbols across paylines, knowing that your chances are as good as anyone else’s.
NOTE! Understanding the primary metrics of slots – RTP and Volatility – is more important.
RTP represents the percentage of all wagered money that a slot machine or casino game will pay back* to players over time. For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, it means that, on average, for every $100 wagered on that machine, players can expect to receive $95 back in winnings over the long term. Slots are categorized into low, average, and high RTP games:
- Low slots have 90-93% RTP.
- Average slots have 94-96% RTP.
- High slots have 97-99% RTP.
Volatility refers to the risk involved in playing a particular slot game and describes the distribution of payouts.
- Low volatility slots offer more frequent but smaller wins, providing a more steady and predictable gameplay experience.
- High volatility slots, on the other hand, offer less frequent but potentially more extensive wins, resulting in a more volatile and unpredictable gameplay experience.
Top 8 Tips for Winning at Slots
Pick the suitable slot machines
When choosing which slot machines to play, many players look for games with higher RTP percentages, as they theoretically offer better odds of winning in the long run.
Additionally, machines with higher payout percentages improve your overall odds of winning. While payout percentages offer valuable insight into a machine’s performance over millions of spins, remember that individual results can vary significantly within the short duration of your play session. While a high RTP or payout percentage doesn’t guarantee winnings, it can improve your gaming experience and potentially lead to more favorable outcomes.
Practice in demo (accessible) mode
Free slot machines offer an excellent opportunity to explore different games and discover their unique features and quirks.
Many casinos provide a wide selection of slots for practice without requiring an account. Visit the site, browse the available games, and click the “Demo” or “Try It” option to start practicing immediately. Focus on playing slots with bonus rounds during practice sessions, as these can help refine your strategies and gameplay techniques. While practicing, keep track of your results using demo credits, which provide valuable insights into the game’s volatility and potential RTP (Return to Player) rates.
Study the pay table
Each slot machine has its unique pay table, which outlines the value of each symbol and highlights the most lucrative ones.
The pay table indicates whether the game incorporates unique features such as wild symbols, scatter symbols, multiplier symbols, bonus symbols, and more. If bonus symbols are present, the game often includes exciting bonus rounds where players can claim extra cash prizes and free spins.
Stick to your budget
Before you begin playing, decide the most money you’re okay with spending and stick to that limit.
Stay within this predetermined budget, and avoid betting money you can’t afford to lose. The key is to focus on long-term success rather than chasing quick wins. Start by setting aside a budget for playing slots, using extra income not earmarked for important expenses. Once you have a general budget, allocate a portion for each gaming session and determine the bet amount for each spin accordingly.
Aim for smaller jackpots
It’s wise to aim for smaller jackpots when playing slots rather than chasing the big ones.
Choose machines with smaller jackpots for more frequent wins, as larger ones are harder to hit due to their higher volatility. Always check the machine’s maximum jackpot before playing; some offer significantly higher payouts than others.
Also prefer machines with fixed jackpots over progressive ones, as progressive machines have lower odds of winning due to more players competing for the same jackpot. Stick to games with smaller jackpots if you prefer regular payouts unless you’re willing to take the risk for a chance at a big win.
Take advantage of casino bonuses
Using bonuses wisely and selecting games you like, you can increase your winnings.
Benefit from welcome bonuses, which often favor slots, and enjoy free spins for extra chances to win without additional bets. Consider cashback bonuses to reclaim some losses, and choose slot machines based on your preferences for a more enjoyable experience. Check the paytable for special features like wild symbols and bonus rounds, offering added rewards.
Bet responsibly
Take a break if you ever feel like the game could be more enjoyable and manageable.
Step away from the screen, relax, and talk to someone you trust. You can also visit a responsible gambling page for support if needed. Remember, your well-being matters most, so take care of yourself while having fun with online gaming. As mentioned earlier, remember to set a time limit and budget for your gaming. Play not for the money but for the enjoyment.
Use a slots strategy
Strategy can help you increase your chances of winning or have more fun while playing.
Even though slots are mostly luck-based, strategies like adjusting your bet size or choosing machines with better payout percentages can give you an edge. Plus, having a strategy can help you manage your money better and avoid spending too much.
Most Popular Strategies to Win at Slots
Right now, let’s discuss the most popular strategies for tricking a slot casinos into winning.
Levels Betting
Levels betting is a strategy where players adjust their bets based on predetermined levels or stages of gameplay. This involves starting with a base bet and increasing or decreasing it after reaching certain milestones, such as a specific number of spins or after a win or loss. Levels betting allows for flexibility in wagering while aiming to maximize wins and minimize losses.
Fixed Percentage Betting
Fixed percentage betting involves wagering a consistent percentage of your total bankroll on each spin. This strategy ensures that your bets remain proportional to your bankroll size, helping to manage risk and prolong gameplay. Players can avoid overspending and maintain control over their funds by sticking to a fixed percentage, even during losing streaks.
Martingale Betting System (with a limit)
The Martingale betting system is a popular strategy that involves doubling your bet after each loss to recover previous losses and make a profit. However, this strategy carries significant risk, as it requires exponentially increasing bets in the event of consecutive losses. To mitigate potential losses, players can implement a limit on the number of successive losses or the maximum bet size.
Fixed Jackpot Strategy
In this strategy, players aim to win the predetermined jackpot amount the slot machine offers. This approach provides more predictable payouts than progressive jackpot slots, as the jackpot amount remains constant regardless of player activity. Players can adjust their bets based on their bankroll and desired level of risk.
Progressive Jackpot Strategy
The progressive jackpot strategy involves playing slots with progressive jackpots, which offer the potential for massive, life-changing wins. In this strategy, players typically bet the maximum wager to qualify for the jackpot, as this is often a requirement to win the top prize. While the odds of winning a progressive jackpot are lower than fixed jackpots, the potential rewards can be substantial. This strategy appeals to players seeking the excitement of chasing enormous jackpots, even though the odds of winning are relatively low.
How to Win Slots in Land Casinos?
If you enjoy playing slots in land-based casinos, you can apply strategies similar to those for online slots. However, finding the best-paying slots on the casino floor can be challenging because manufacturers often don’t provide information on RTP and volatility levels. That’s the main problem.
- One approach is to stick to slot machines available online, but remember that pay tables may differ between online and land-based versions, affecting the RTP.
- Set a clear budget and limit your time and spending. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to poor decisions.
5 Spin Method
One more way to trick a slot machine into winning is the 5-Spin Method. This strategy involves playing a slot machine for a set number of spins (usually five) and then moving on to a different machine regardless of the outcome.
This method aims to test the machine’s “hotness” or “coldness” within a short period. If you hit a win or trigger a bonus feature within the first five spins, the machine might be considered “hot,” and you could continue playing. Conversely, if you don’t have any significant wins or bonuses within the first five spins, the machine might be considered “cold,” and you may want to try your luck elsewhere.
While the 5 Spin Method is purely based on luck and superstition rather than any proven strategy, some players find it adds an element of excitement and variety to their slot gaming experience.
Some Fun Facts: Biggest Slots Wins
Mega Moolah
In September 2018, a fortunate player experienced an exhilarating moment while playing Mega Moolah, an online progressive jackpot slot developed by Microgaming. They won a record-breaking jackpot of € 18.9 million ($ 20.9 million), setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest online slot jackpot payout.
Mega Fortune
In January 2013, a Finnish player hit the jackpot on Mega Fortune, another popular progressive jackpot slot, winning €17.8 million ($24 million). Guinness World Records recognized this win as the largest online casino jackpot payout.
Excalibur
In March 2003, a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles had a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Excalibur casino in Las Vegas. They won a staggering $39.7 million while playing the Megabucks slot machine.
The Lion’s Share
In August 2014, after 20 years without a jackpot win, a couple from New Hampshire won $2.4 million while playing The Lion’s Share, a classic slot machine at the MGM Grand casino in Las Vegas. The machine had become legendary for its long-standing jackpot.
IGT’s Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune series of slot machines developed by International Game Technology (IGT) has produced several multimillion-dollar jackpot wins over the years, including a $14.3 million jackpot at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 2000.
Best Slot Machines to Play
If you want to repeat the success of these players, here are 10 slots with the highest RTP:
| SLOT GAME | GAME DEVELOPER | RTP | VOLATILITY |
| Mega Joker | NetEnt | 99% | High |
| Blood Suckers | NetEnt | 98% | Low |
| Starmania | NextGen Gaming | 97.86% | Low to Medium |
| White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | Up to 97.72% | High |
| Big Bad Wolf | Quickspin | 97.3% | High |
| Apollo God of the Sun | Novomatic | 97.17% | High |
| Gorilla Go Wilder | NextGen Gaming | 97.04% | High |
| Reel Rush | NetEnt | 97% | Medium |
| Quick Hit Ultra Pays Eagle’s Peak | Big Time Gaming | 96.89% | High |
| Dead or Alive 2 | NetEnt | 96.82% | Low |
Conclusions
Summarizing how to win slots, we repeat everything for you clearly and briefly:
- Slots are random, but certain strategies can help improve your odds.
- Understanding slot mechanics, including RTP and volatility, is the main thing to consider before playing.
- Strategies like picking a suitable machine and managing your budget can enhance your chances.
- Winning big is possible, as demonstrated by notable jackpot wins.
- Consider playing high RTP slots for better long-term returns.
- Prioritize responsible gambling and enjoy the game responsibly.
In land-based casinos, you can apply strategies similar to those used for online slots. Stick to slot machines available online, set a clear budget, limit your time and spending, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
To win more often on mobile slots, focus on playing progressive jackpot slots and select the smallest bet that qualifies you for the jackpot. Spin the reels at your own pace to increase your chances of winning big.
As the name implies, it involves playing five spins on a slot, and if it doesn’t result in a win, the player would move on to the next one.
No, slot machines use a random number generator (RNG) for each spin’s outcome, making predictions impossible.
A specific combination of symbols on the reels triggers a jackpot. If your spin results in this combination, you win the jackpot.
Look for slots with high RTP (Return to Player) percentages. RTP represents your odds of winning and is typically above 90 for the best slots.
The game’s program determines the outcome of each spin, and there’s no way to influence it. Over time, the machine is designed to pay less than what’s wagered.
Tips include: choosing high RTP slots, managing your budget wisely, practicing responsible gambling, experimenting with different strategies.
